When Are Kids Ready For Overnight Camp

When is a child emotionally ready for overnight camp? How can a parent know if an eight-year-old is an outdoor type? Should parents encourage their youngest child to go to camp with older brothers and sisters? These are important questions for parents to think about before sending young ones off to resident (overnight) or day camp this summer. YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s 2,283 Ys offers parents a few guidelines to help determine when a child is ready for day or resident camp — or if its best to wait another year before introducing a child to the great outdoors.

According to Dave Wright, executive director, YMCA’s Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, IN, Many eight-year-olds are ready for resident or sleepover camp. Appropriate day camps are available for preschool aged children and older. Wright, a camp leader and administrator for 27 years, added, however, each child is ready to leave the nest at his or her own pace. The YMCA recommends the following clues to help determine a child’s camp-readiness:

* Have they asked if they can go away to camp? Most kids are ready for overnight camp if they hear friends talking about it and eagerly ask a parent if they can go, too. Typically, even though friends are going, if a child isn’t ready, he or she won’t bring it up.

* Have they had other overnight experiences away from home, without a family member present? If so, how did it go? Were they anxious? Did you have to pick them up before the activity was over?

* Do they appear uncomfortable or nervous in large public restrooms at shopping malls or sports venues? Many children feel uneasy if there are other people around. This can pose a problem at resident camps where group bathroom and shower facilities are the norm.

* Do they feel pressured because an older brother or sister is going to camp and they don’t want to feel like a baby? Younger siblings should go when they’re ready.

Children are our most precious resource, said Lynne Vaughan, director of program development at YMCA of the USA, it’s important for parents to know when — and if — their kids are ready for camp, to ensure that’s a good experience for everyone.

About The Author:

Art Peters is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com. Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.